Characteristics of Stimulant Self-Administration
Unlimited access testing
- Erratic pattern of drug intake
- alternate with periods of drug abstinence
- reinstate a binge with a priming injection
- Toxicity (see Bozarth & Wise, 1985)
- marked deterioration in health
- grand-mal seizures & engage in self-mutilation
- high fatality rate
- end of second week of testing: 60% mortality rate
- end of 30 days: 90% mortality rate